Award-winning interior architecture studio EL EQUIPO CREATIVO has unveiled its transformative redesign of the Kimpton Los Monteros Hotel in Marbella, Spain, marking another milestone in their collaboration with the boutique hotel brand. Following their acclaimed work on Spain’s first Kimpton in Barcelona, the studio has re-envisioned all public spaces within this iconic Costa del Sol retreat, masterfully weaving Marbella’s rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking natural landscape into a contemporary hospitality experience. The project stands as a testament to sustainable luxury design, harmoniously blending heritage with modern flair.
Drawing profound inspiration from Andalusia’s vibrant landscape, the design captures the essence of the Mediterranean: lush greenery, crystalline blues of the sea, and the golden warmth of the sun. This connection to place is further elevated through nods to Spanish artistic heritage, particularly the bold forms of Málaga-born Pablo Picasso. The studio integrates sweeping curves, dramatic colour contrasts, and artisanal ceramic craftsmanship throughout, reinterpreting tradition with a modern edge. Simultaneously, a subtle ‘70s-inspired design sensibility honours the building’s original architecture, revealed through geometric patterns, built-in niches, and light-filtering elements that evoke retro-chic sophistication.
Guests are welcomed into a lobby radiating Mediterranean warmth. A crisp white backdrop, natural wooden accents, and colourful, 70s-inflected furnishings create an inviting ambiance. Hand-painted, Picasso-inspired murals adorn walls, transforming the space into a gallery-like extension of an art collector’s home. This artistic thread continues into the lounges and library, where eclectic, crafted objects, bold carpets, and sliding wooden screens offer flexible intimacy around a revitalized Andalusian patio. The heart of the hotel, this central courtyard, blooms with enhanced lush vegetation, simplified architectural lines, and a sculptural water feature, embodying serene Mediterranean landscape design.
The pool area embraces a topography-inspired concept. Multi-level terraces, rendered in warm white, organically frame the turquoise water, fostering a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. The Costa Club Pool Bar, nestled within, features terracotta tiles and intricate latticework under a wooden pergola, casting dappled shadows for an authentic coastal retreat feel.
Azul Bar, a legendary Marbella institution since 1962, has been reimagined with a captivating blue narrative. A striking central bar, clad in 3D ceramic tiles, commands attention, while expansive hand-painted murals in oceanic hues depict Picasso-esque feminine forms. These artistic interventions create intimate, character-filled corners, ensuring the space effortlessly transitions from day to night with refined elegance.
At Jara Restaurant, the experience evokes dining in a sun-dappled garden. A white base contrasts with vibrant green ceramic tiles and cascading plants. Near the kitchen, tiles shift to traditional Andalusian patterns in blues and yellows, enhancing the local character. Cleverly angled walls and strategic openings foster cosy intimacy while maintaining an airy, fluid atmosphere true to its Mediterranean cuisine spirit.
Crowning the hotel, Escondido rooftop bar offers bold, glamorous escapism. Stepped platforms delineate zones: an upper level features a chic bar with ‘70s geometric patterns and terracotta tones, while the lower level unveils a panoramic pool edged in retro tiles, framing uninterrupted Mediterranean views. By day, it’s a laid-back oasis; by night, it transforms into a sophisticated rooftop experience, epitomizing retro glamour against sunset vistas.
EL EQUIPO CREATIVO’s redesign masterfully balances respect for the building’s original Andalusian architecture with a fresh, contemporary identity. By seamlessly fusing local craftsmanship, artistic legacy, and modern luxury, the Kimpton Los Monteros Hotel emerges not just as a destination, but as a vibrant celebration of Marbella’s soul—a place where design-driven hospitality invites guests to immerse themselves in the timeless spirit of the Mediterranean.